Ireland’s public service transformation agenda moves into a major programme of collaboration on 11 November 2026. Public Service Transformation Week 2026 will bring together government departments, public bodies, universities and delivery partners to examine how digital tools, design, data and cooperation can improve services.
Published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on 14 October 2026, the programme is built around the theme “Stronger Together: Delivering the Public Services of the Future”. Events will take place online and in person, with some sessions open to all public service bodies and others limited to invited participants.
Public Service Transformation Week 2026 programme
The Wednesday schedule covers innovation across justice, defence, healthcare, local government, education, language services and official statistics. Key sessions include:
- Spreag Fís: Gaeilge by Innovation: A two-day interactive programme designed to help Irish speakers and learners develop innovative public-service solutions through Gaeilge. It also supports the Government’s target of recruiting 20% Irish-language staff by 2030.
- Justice Sector Innovation Conference: The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration will bring colleagues together to share ideas and examine approaches that could improve services and outcomes.
- Design for Public: A joint event involving the Design for Public Community of Practice and the HSE Spark Design Network, focused on user-centred service design and cross-organisation learning.
- Family literacy support: SOLAS will host a practical workshop linked to the Adult Literacy for Life national plan and the Story Sack approach to supporting children’s reading and language development.
- Donegal County Council transformation: An online session will explore digital fleet maintenance, grant applications, a smart bench and a heritage project as examples of transformation pathways.
- Innovation through LEGO Serious Play: Trinity Innovation and Enterprise will use collaborative exercises to help public servants approach problem-solving from new perspectives.
- Connected for Defence: The Department of Defence, Research Ireland, DCU:Innovate Hub and Accenture will discuss partnerships including Defence Sparx, the EUDIS Defence Hackathon and the Defence Innovation Challenge.
How the programme supports better public services
The schedule reflects a broad understanding of public-sector innovation. It is not limited to new technology. Sessions address inclusive design, bilingual services, literacy, data analysis, automation, leadership, open data and cooperation between public bodies and external partners.
The programme also demonstrates how transformation is being considered across Ireland’s public administration, including the Health Service Executive (HSE), local authorities, the Department of Defence, SOLAS and justice-sector organisations. Related work across bodies such as gov.ie, the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána, the Workplace Relations Commission and the National Transport Authority shows the scale of coordination required to make services easier to access.
Who can take part?
Participation depends on the individual event. Some sessions welcome all public service bodies, while others are invite-only or internal events. Registration details are provided by the relevant organisers, and places may be limited. Those interested in the Spreag Fís programme were asked to submit the registration form by 23 October.
Why Public Service Transformation Week 2026 matters
Public services increasingly depend on shared data, strong digital skills and practical cooperation. By bringing departments, local government, researchers and industry partners together, Public Service Transformation Week 2026 creates a forum for sharing tested approaches rather than developing solutions in isolation.
The emphasis on design, accessibility and language also places people at the centre of reform. Better public services must work for diverse communities, support staff and remain understandable across digital and face-to-face channels.
Frequently asked questions
When is Public Service Transformation Week 2026?
The featured programme takes place on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
Who published the programme?
It was published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on 14 October 2026.
Are all events open to the public?
No. Some events are open to public service bodies, while others are invite-only or restricted to internal participants.
What is the main theme?
The theme is “Stronger Together: Delivering the Public Services of the Future”.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
